app – Tech News

Automattic debuts a platform to deploy vibe coding apps amid a changing internet

WordPress has been a crucial technology and content management system for websites like TechCrunch. Now, WordPress.com owner Automattic is responding to the changing state of the web by debuting a new service called Spacefast, which will allow users to deploy vibe-coded websites and apps. Spacefast is designed to provide infrastructure for the vibe-coded apps, including databases, authentication, file uploads, emails, and analytics, to make them functional websites, apps, or services. The product competes with the likes of Lovable and Emergent, which offer both interface and rails for vibe-coded apps, but in a more open way.
https://techcrunch.com/2026/11/09/automattic-debuts-a-platform-to-deploy-vibe-coding-apps-amid-a-changing-internet/

TikTok launched a dedicated TikTok Shop app

TikTok has released a standalone app for TikTok Shop in a few countries, as spotted by social media consultant Matt Navarra. According to its App Store listing, the TikTok Shop app offers: Personalized picks inspired by your interests, LIVE streams & short videos to see products in action, App-only deals, free shipping offers & exclusive first-order benefits that make every order feel worth it, Secure payments for safe checkout, Easy order tracking & 24/7 support from purchase to delivery
https://www.theverge.com/tech/1027772/tiktok-shop-app

Meta quietly launches an AI fashion app called Style Sketch

Meta has quietly launched Style Sketch, an AI fashion app that helps users put together outfit ideas using clothes they already own. The app connects to Instagram to build a virtual closet from photos you’ve posted, or lets you add items manually by snapping a photo, recording a quick video, or uploading images from your camera roll. Style Sketch then suggests outfit combinations built from your wardrobe matched to your style. Users can then try on the outfits on a “realistic model matched to your body shape and skin tone,” the app description reads.
https://techcrunch.com/2026/10/29/meta-quietly-launches-an-ai-fashion-app-called-style-sketch/

Laytr’s new app lets you save anything you find online, not just articles to read

After Mozilla’s read-it-later app Pocket shut down in August, a number of alternatives popped up to take its place. But one newcomer, Laytr, is taking things further than offering a way to save things to read. The app lets you save anything on the web for later consumption, whether that’s an article, recipe, screenshot, video, PDF, bookmark, or tab.
https://techcrunch.com/2026/10/02/laytrs-new-app-lets-you-save-anything-you-find-online-not-just-articles-to-read

Maka Kids is redefining kids’ screen time with a streaming app optimized for well-being, not engagement

Maka Kids is building a streaming app for children ages zero to six featuring content designed for healthy development. The startup has now raised $3 million in seed funding to scale its platform, and is currently accepting waitlist sign-ups. Unlike traditional streaming platforms, Maka Kids doesn’t have recommendation algorithms, ads, or auto-play. Instead, it is designed to offer a predictable experience that supports learning, creativity, and emotional growth.
https://techcrunch.com/2026/05/21/maka-kids-is-redefining-kids-screen-time-with-a-streaming-app-optimized-for-well-being-not-engagement/

Instagram tests a new ‘Instants’ app for sharing disappearing photos

Instagram is testing a new image-sharing app called “Instants,” the company confirmed to TechCrunch on Thursday. The app, which is available in Spain and Italy, lets users share disappearing photos with their friends that can be viewed only once and remain available for 24 hours. However, Instagram may be a bit late to capitalize on the trend of low-pressure, unfiltered photo sharing, as BeReal is not as popular as it once was. At the same time, many people already use Instagram Stories, the app’s Snapchat clone, for quick sharing and may not see the need for a separate app to do so. Given these factors, it’ll be interesting to see how Instants plays out.
https://techcrunch.com/2026/04/23/instagram-tests-a-new-instants-app-for-sharing-disappearing-photos/